82 



BIRDS AND FLOWERS. 



ters of the pyrola and the pipsissewa. We have sev- 

 eral species of the pyrola, and the large-leaved ones 

 are abundant in all our woods. At a distance this 

 plant suggests a wild lily of the valley. It has a 

 sweet odor, and the flowers with their protruding 

 styles are more curiously wrought than lily bells. In 

 driving about Long Pond and Turkey Pond, or in 

 Districts Number Four and Five, I am always glad 

 to catch the white gleam of the pyrola. 



The pipsissewa with its shining, evergreen leaves 

 and delicate discs studded with violet anthers (the 

 blossoms have been likened to a passion flower on a 

 small scale) is more beautiful in some respects even 

 than the pyrola. Unfortunately it is not so common, 

 probably because our grandmothers considered it a 

 fine, medicinal "yarb." Its flowering season is brief, 

 but I always look for it about the tenth of July in 

 the woods at Christian Shore or below Camp Weeta- 

 moo or in various parts of West Concord. 



In August there is a riot of vegetation, and yet one 

 may now and then detect the subtle signs of the com- 

 ing fall. The goldenrod, which began in July, is now 

 obtrusive, and the asters are becoming conspicuous. 

 The shores of Turkey Pond are rosy with the marsh 

 St. Johnswort, and the fragrant, chocolate-colored 



